With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
Which electrifying specialty toys are making big sales across the country? We interviewed retailers to find out! Take a look at their best-selling electronic and battery operated toys below.
*No manufacturer paid to be included in the Top-10 list below. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
Simon Electronic Carabiner by SCHYLLING
The classic electronic game of memory is back in a take anywhere carabiner format. Ever-increasing sequences of lights and sounds command your response. Keep the pattern and you just might beat Simon™! HASBRO and its logo and SIMON are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. 2009 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Requires 3 AG-13 button cell batteries, included. Measures 7.62” x 6.12” x 1.25” in pkg. Ages 7 & up. — Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a July 2014 survey that the Simon Electronic Carabiner was one of their store's top-2 best-selling electronic / battery operated toys.
The original Boogie Board LCD eWriter that started a revolution. Ultra light (4oz.) and thin (1/8"). One just isn’t enough. Get one for on the go, in the office and multiple places around the house. Almost anywhere you’d keep memo pads, sticky notes or scrap paper. — Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey that their best selling travel toy is the Boogie Board. They sell 6-7 each month. — Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it a bestselling novelty item. — Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthlyin a March 2013 survey that they sell 18 Boogie Boards each month, and up to 48 a month during 4th quarter.
Hexbug Nano Glow in the Dark by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.
The regular Hexbugs and the HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set won the Specialty Toy of the Year Award at the 2012 American International Toy Fair. This glow in the dark version features the same motion sensors and scuttling capabilities that made the original version so popular. Glow in the dark habitats are also available. Batteries included. — Jamie Merlavage of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell about a dozen HEXBUG Nanos each month. — Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling toys that she sells a dozen HEXBUGS each month. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Hexbugs were their best selling product. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., said that they sell dozens of different styles of Hexbugs each month, and that the line has been a best seller for more than a year now.
Electronic Table-Top Air Hockey by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
This two-player game lets opponents slide, shoot and score on a table-top air hockey arena that features electronic action pucks gliding along on a cushion of air. It includes a manual scorekeeper, three pucks and two paddles. — This is a best-selling item at Juggles in Wakefield, R.I., Storeowner Idanna Smith told TDmonthly. — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Tabletop Air Hockey from International Plaything was their store's best-selling electronic / battery operated toy.
With a flick of your wrist the Toysmith Light Up Rail Twirler moves around the 10.5 rail. The magnetic spin action and the light-up feature makes this fun and a bit of a game of skill. Requires 2 AG-13 batteries (included). — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthlythat the Toysmith Light Up Rail Twirler was their store's best-selling electronic / battery operated toy.
Maisto - Ducati Multistrada 1200S Motorcycle 1:12 scale die-cast collectible model by TOY WONDERS INC.
31188 Maisto - Ducati Multistrada 1200S Motorcycle. 1:12 scale diecast collectible model. Bikes are 6.5"L x 3.5"H diecast model with workable steering, workable/detailed suspension, and kickstand. This Ducati Multistrada 1200S motor bike is manufactured by Maisto. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 8.5"Lx 2.75"Wx 4.75"H. 31188 is in assorted colors. Launch date: July 20, 2012. 34737 R/C Cars (Maisto) — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that the R/C cars from Maisto was their store's best-selling electronic / battery operated toy.
Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed RC Car 27MHZ - Sonic by NKOK INC.
Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed is the latest racing game in the fan-favorite series starring Sonic the Hedgehog. Now the video game racing has escaped the game console for a new series of radio-controlled racers! The latest series features Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails in vehicles that also boast working lights! Burn rubber with Sonic! Each sold separately! — In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that the R/C Sonic cars were their store's best-selling electronic / battery operated toy.
This four-wheel drive, remote-controlled vehicle can be navigated over land and on water. It has working headlights and requires two AA batteries. The controller takes an additional two AAA batteries (not included). — Grafton Stine from Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that R/C vehicles from Kid Galaxy were their best-selling electronic toy. — In a November 2011 survey, Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that "The Morphibians are great. They can run through dirt, grass, puddle of water and look like sharks and frogs. We sell about 6-8 in a month." — As of August 2010, this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 40 reviews on Amazon.com. Parents liked that it is versatile and easy to use, but some complained that it required two types of batteries.
The 1/18 Raminator is detailed to look just like the real thing. It’s built on Losi’s proven mini 4WD chassis, with oil-filled composite shocks to smooth out the rough stuff. Power comes from a Frenzy motor that can be upgraded to a dual motor setup. Twin steering servos ensure sharp handling. A synthesized radio, battery pack and charger are included. — Gregory Faith, owner of Inside Out Hobbies in Nashua, N.H., told TDmonthly in a July 2014 survey that RC Monster Trucks are one of their store's top-2 best-selling electronic / battery operated toys.
High performance toy jet plane that makes sound and lights up. Batteries not included. — Crisi Chapman, owner of Dear Friends & Children in Duncan, Ok., told TDmonthly in a July 2014 survey that Master Toys Bump N Go vehicles are one of their store's top-2 best-selling electronic / battery operated toys.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
